In Others’ Words: Questioning Faith

Beth VogtFaith, In Others' Words, Quotes 7 Comments

I know this is election day in the U.S. — but this is not an election day post. I don’t do politics on this blog or any other social media. I did vote, in case you’re wondering. And I did pray about the election. One thing I do know is, come what may today, tomorrow, the next day … God …

In Others’ Words: Practicing Gratitude

Beth VogtGiveaway, gratitude, In Others' Words 6 Comments

It’s November, the month when our thoughts more easily turn toward thankfulness. After all, this is the month when we have an entire day devoted to giving thanks — and weeks to prepare for the celebration. And yet, isn’t it true that when we want a reason to be thankful we don’t have to chase after “extraordinary moments” of happiness? …

In Others’ Words: Choosing One Word for 2016

Beth VogtGiveaway, In Others' Words, One Word 16 Comments

One Word. I blogged about this earlier, back in October, in a post titled “Time to Start Thinking About One Word for 2016.” But while I was ready to talk about my One Word for the upcoming new year, I think some of you were just ready to begin pondering your One Word for 2016. So, here I am again, …

In Others’ Words: What Christmas is Not

Beth VogtChristmas, Giveaway, In Others' Words 7 Comments

We so often think of what Christmas is … and rarely think of what Christmas is not.  And yet Calvin Coolidge, best known as a a former U.S. president, so succinctly states what Christmas is not: It is not a time or a season … despite Christmas coming ’round the same month each year. I have to agree with former …

In Others’ Words: Keeping Christmas all the Year

Beth VogtChristmas, Faith, In Others' Words 2 Comments

I collect Nativity scenes. I don’t have an extensive collection, but I do have a much-loved assortment that includes a hand-sewn cloth Nativity that little hands may play with. I also have a treasured olive wood set from my mission trip to Israel in 2000, when my husband and I chaperoned a high school trip that our son went on. My husband …

Christmas Gifts: The Unexpected and Expectations (and an 8-author giveaway)

Beth VogtChristmas, Fun, Life 61 Comments

This is not a sentimental Christmas memory … and I do have my husband’s permission to share this story. Once upon a Christmas time, my husband and I were newlyweds celebrating our very first Christmas together. Our tiny one-bedroom apartment was festive, thanks to the shiny silver aluminum Christmas tree — yes, silver — we’d decorated with a few ornaments …

In Others’ Words: Carol of the Bells

Beth VogtUncategorized 8 Comments

I love Christmas music! During the month of December, I’m sharing some of my favorite Christmas songs with you. I’ve loved Carol of the Bells since I was a child — and after listening to several versions, I chose the classic version by the Boston Pops Orchestra. httpv://youtu.be/VLFW1U-5uTE In Your Words: What Christmas song is your favorite — but only …

In Others’ Words: O Little Town of Bethlehem

Beth VogtUncategorized 11 Comments

I love Christmas music! During the month of December, I’m sharing some of my favorite Christmas songs with you. This song, O Little Town of Bethlehem, was requested by my husband because, as he said, we’ve been there! We were chaperones for a high school mission trip to Israel when our son was seventeen — and we’d just found out I …

In Others’ Words: How Many Kings

Beth VogtUncategorized 14 Comments

I love Christmas music! During the month of December, I’m sharing some of my favorite Christmas songs with you. How Many Kings by Downhere became a favorite of mine last in 2012 — and I played it all during 2013. httpv://youtu.be/x7duk4ORRuY In Your Words: What Christmas songs bring the hope of Christmas closer to your heart? Christmas Music: How Many …

In Others’ Words: Christmas Kiss

Beth VogtUncategorized 3 Comments

I love Christmas music! During the month of December, I’m sharing some of my favorite Christmas songs with you. Here’s a new favorite that captured the romantic in me: Steven Curtis Chapman’s Christmas Kiss!  httpv://youtu.be/0mT0txaq3sE   In Your Words: I know some of you out there have romantic stories with a Christmas theme — maybe you had a Christmas wedding …